The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued a strong public advisory urging citizens to avoid sharing personal information with unauthorised websites and mobile applications, amid growing concerns over digital identity theft.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NADRA highlighted a surge in fraudulent platforms impersonating the authority to steal citizens’ personal data. These scams often lure victims with incentives in exchange for sensitive information such as CNIC numbers, biometric data, or ID photocopies which are then used for illegal purposes.
“Protecting data online is no longer just a precaution; it’s a necessity,” the authority stated, emphasizing that citizens must stay vigilant in today’s increasingly digital world.
NADRA strongly advised against sharing CNIC photocopies unnecessarily or using them as guarantees, especially with unfamiliar individuals or platforms. Instead, it urged the public to rely solely on the official Pak Identity application for submitting any personal details or availing NADRA-related services.
This renewed warning comes in the wake of a massive data breach affecting nearly 2.7 million Pakistanis, which has prompted NADRA to double down on its cybersecurity efforts and public awareness campaigns.
The advisory also clarifies that original identification documents are sufficient for most official procedures and that photocopies are often not required a common misconception that scammers frequently exploit.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious platforms falsely claiming to represent NADRA and to refrain from interacting with or sharing information with such entities.
In a related development, NADRA has recently streamlined the process for obtaining Succession Certificates, allowing legal heirs to apply through any of the 186 Succession Facilitation Units (SFUs) across the country, aiming to improve accessibility and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
NADRA concluded its advisory by reinforcing the need for digital vigilance: “By staying informed and using only official channels, citizens can secure their identity and protect themselves from data theft and fraud.”